BFA (Scenic Construction and Technologies)

CRICOS CODE 083700G

NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Scenic Construction and Technologies) is an immersive, practice-based course that teaches students how to create the environments in which performances take place.

The only set construction and supervision course of its kind offered in Australia, and one of only a few available worldwide, this internationally recognised course equips students to pursue careers as technical designers and managers, construction managers, set builders, staging technicians, art installers and mechanists in the arts and entertainment industries, including theatre, opera, dance, film, television, music festivals and other live events.

About the course

The course equips students with an understanding of all aspects of scenic construction and technologies, including current staging practice, stage engineering, stage rigging and automation, and risk and project management, as well as a broader theoretical and contextual knowledge of theatre, arts and culture.

During their first year, students study timber and metal fabrication, rigging, mechanics, drafting, computer-aided design and stage machinery, among other related areas.

In their second year, students design and realise solutions to specified staging challenges, and explore the world of automation and control.

In their third year, students act as construction managers or technical managers for NIDA’s full-scale productions, working alongside fellow students to bring scenic concepts to life.

Industry placements with a leading production company give students hands on experience, a broader understanding of the live performance industry, and a chance to create contacts and networks for further professional development.

Want to know more about this course? Nick Day, Head of Scenic Construction and Technologies and Lynsey Brown, Associate Lecturer explain.

Course dates and times

Course duration and contact hours

Students are at NIDA from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. During production terms students may also be required for rehearsals after hours and on weekends.

Additional time also needs to be allocated to library work, research, preparation for classes and private study. For this reason it is difficult for NIDA students to maintain regular part-time jobs. Studying at NIDA is a big commitment so students need to manage their time and resources carefully.

The semester continues until early December for those involved in the Directors’ productions.

The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

Subjects

First year

First year at a glance

In brief

Materials and structures

Stage rigging

Venue architecture

Project management

Stage Machinery and CAD

Delivery mode

Classes

Participation in NIDA production

Individual and group projects

Scenic Construction and Technologies Studio

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7101A SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (30 credit points)

This subject provides a foundation for the study of materials and structures, mechanics, rigging, CAD drafting and physics of stage machinery and their principles and practice in the performing arts as well as project management.

This subject is delivered through lectures and practical class work. It introduces the students to hands on experience in carpentry and metal fabrication techniques and investigates the properties, strengths and weaknesses of a broad range of set construction materials as well as looking at basic mechanical components and their uses.

The subject is assessed through the keeping and presentation of reflective journals and a formal presentation of completed project work.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7101B SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (30 credit points)

This subject contributes to the continuing formation of a framework of foundation knowledge and skills which furthers the study of materials and structures, mechanics, rigging, CAD drafting and physics of stage machinery as well as introducing students to risk management and Work, Health and Safety and venue architecture.

This subject is delivered through lectures and project work. It asks the students to draw on knowledge and skills learnt in the previous semester to investigate and construct solutions to simple stage mechanical scenarios. Students also examine the performance space both in terms of its function and design as well as from a work safety point of view.

Assessment is through the keeping and presentation of reflective journals and a formal presentation of completed project work.

Scenic Construction and Technologies Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7102A INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

This subject is closely tied to the NIDA play production program and immerses the student in the business of making theatre. Following an introductory term in the basic concepts and skills required to make scenery, manage time and finances and the safe and efficient use of workshop resources, the students work on a specific production in the role of sets assistant, where, under supervision, they support a third year Scenic Construction and Technologies student in the realisation of a third year Design for Performance student’s set design for the play to be produced.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7102B INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

This subject is closely tied to the NIDA play production program and immerses the student in the business of making theatre. In this semester the student is attached to a production which will expose them to a different set of constraints through the filtering of venues and design parameters by staff. Students work under the supervision of teaching staff, and support a third year Scenic Construction and Technologies student in the realisation of a third year design student’s set design.

Performance and Ideas

SEMESTER ONE - COM7101A PERFORMANCE & IDEAS (10 credit points)

SEMESTER TWO - COM7101B PERFORMANCE & IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject gives students a theoretical, critical and experiential understanding of key contexts, forms and conventions based on a chronological framework that supports an understanding of the Western theatrical canon.

In understanding the historical and social context ranging from ancient Greeks to contemporary Australian film practices, students will interrogate key figures, forms, conventions, productions, plays and practices of each topic.

Fundamental to ‘Performance and Ideas’ is students’ ability to actively relate these various historic practices of the Western theatrical canon to their own performance-based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Introduction to Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

COM7102A INTRODUCTION TO COLLABORATION (5 credit points)

The focus of Introduction to Collaboration is the theory and practice of collaboration.

This subject introduces students to the principles of collaboration, which includes defining collaboration and creativity and examining how ethics, values and behaviours of collaboration are generated. Students investigate notions of ownership, agreement, creative conflict and how to generate ideas and create innovative practice.

This subject provides a theoretical, conceptual and practical scaffold for other BFA subjects including Student-led Projects and Interdisciplinary Collaboration.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7102B INTRODUCTION TO COLLABORATION (5 credit points)

This subject builds upon the principles of collaboration, skills and conceptual tasks featured in the previous semester. The concepts previously explored are now realised through practice in a group collaborative project. These small cross cohort collaborations are supervised and mentored. They have strategies and articulated milestones for the collaboration built into the conceptual plan so that students remain accountable to the learning outcomes of the subject.

Second year

Second year at a glance

In brief

Power, data and control systems

Technical design and consulting

Delivery mode

Classes

Given and self derived projects

Production supervision

Scenic Construction and Technologies Studio

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7201A SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (30 credit points)

Students are introduced to the fundamentals of electrical engineering and how these laws are applied in the specification of staging components in terms of generation and distribution as well as the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical power through actuators. It also introduces the students to methods of controlling these systems using electro-mechanical devices and computers.

This subject is delivered through lectures and project work. The students are invited to apply the theory learnt in lectures to practical scenarios in the workshop and appraise the outcomes various technologies.

The subject is assessed through the keeping and presentation of reflective journals, on-line tests and a formal presentation of completed project work.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7201B SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (30 credit points)

This subject synthesises knowledge and skills learnt to date, and requires the student to integrate these into a technical design project from a given brief.

This subject is delivered through supervised project work, which is mentored by industry professionals who work in the area being investigated. The outcome of the project is documentation aimed at selling the solution to a prospective production house.

The subject is assessed through the quality of the documents presented and the presentation of them to the production’s 'producers’.

Scenic Construction and Technologies Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7202A INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (10 credit points)

This is an applied research practicum subject. Under the guidance of tutors, students research and develop areas of specialist interest within technical staging. To inform this research, students may observe and participate in approved projects either within and/or beyond NIDA campus. The parallel subject, Professional Practice, supports students’ increased knowledge through facilitation of visits to and by Industry leaders within the chosen specialisation.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7202B INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (10 credit points)

This subject involves the Scenic Construction and Technologies students with the MFA Directors’ program and sees the students take part in two distinct projects.

The first involves the realisation of a performance art piece / installation, devised and staged in cohort with the Directing students.

The second places the Scenic Construction and Technologies student in the role of construction manager under the supervision of the Head of Staging. The students put into practice the skills and processes that they were introduced to in Scenic Construction and Technologies Studio. The students engage in the full production process from initial design consultations through the planning, construction and rehearsal process to technical rehearsals, performance and bump-outs.

The subject presents students with experience of working as a team with the production manager and construction manager to interact and negotiate design outcomes.

Scenic Construction and Technologies Professional Practice

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7203A PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (5 credit points)

In this subject the student takes on the role of technical consultant and is involved in the creation and presentation of technical design solutions to a group of tutors who take on various roles within a creative production environment. Through this hypothetical production exercise, students experience professional relationships and the expectations of the client as well as negotiate outcomes given a previously agreed set of deliverables.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7203B PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (5 credit points)

This subject incorporates industry involvement to expose the student to the role of stage mechanical and automation consultancy in the context of venues. This subject tests the students’ vocational literacy, asking them to apply knowledge and skills and present costed solutions in a work environment.

Performance and Ideas

SEMESTER ONE - COM7201A PERFORMANCE & IDEAS (10 credit points)

SEMESTER TWO - COM7201B PERFORMANCE & IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject builds upon the knowledge and analytical skills built in the earlier semesters of Performance and Ideas.

This subject gives students a theoretical, critical and experiential understanding of key contexts, forms and conventions based on a contemporary chronological framework of the Western theatrical canon of the 20th and 21st centuries.

In understanding the historical and social context ranging from Brecht to contemporary gaming storytelling practices, students will interrogate key figures, forms, conventions, productions, plays and practices of each topic.

Fundamental to ‘Performance and Ideas’ is students’ ability to actively relate these various historic practices of the 20th century Western theatrical canon to their own performance based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Student-led Projects

SEMESTER ONE

COM7203A STUDENT-LED PROJECTS (5 credit points)

Student-led Projects derive from the theoretical and methodological frameworks explored in Introduction to Collaboration. Students self-select their collaborative teams with cross cohort representation. Together each team shapes an idea for presentation drawing on the individual knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realisation of the collaborative endeavour. Collaborative groups request input from staff or external mentors when it is required. In this subject, students apply their acquired knowledge of behaviours, innovation in practice, leadership, followership, emotional intelligence and negotiation skills to devise a collaborative performative work.

Each group draws on the collective knowledge of different performance forms and processes to decide on the particular shape of their work and has strategies and articulated stages for the collaboration built into a written conceptual plan. A peer-review framework for assessment makes each student individually and collectively behaviourally accountable to the vision of the work.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7203B STUDENT-LED PROJECTS (5 credit points)

In this subject students build on the collaborative practice project established in the preceding semester by bringing their project to realisation and, if they wish, presenting it in a public or semi-public setting.

Students complete their documentation of the whole project in this semester, refine and finalise their framework for peer review, and document the outcome of the peer review process after final presentations of the work.

Third year

Third year at a glance

In brief

Completing a technical masterwork

Undertaking industry placement

Work on two NIDA productions

Delivery mode

Classes

Independent project work

Industry placement

Scenic Construction and Technologies Studio

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7301A SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (30 credit points)

With the support of their coordinator students define their own brief that prescribes and informs the realisation of a ‘masterwork’. From this brief students undertake a research and development process that explores a variety of techniques to be employed in the final realisation of the masterwork. This process will deliver the planning and management strategies of the research process and also the scheduling of the creation of a physical outcome, either a prototype or partial/scale model.

Throughout this process students are monitored and tutored on their progress and direction. Students may be referred to industry professionals who may mentor their progress.

The subject is assessed through the keeping and presentation of a reflective journal and a formal presentation of schedules, budgets and drawings, which are to lead to the realisation of the masterwork.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7301B SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & TECHNOLOGIES STUDIO (20 credit points)

Students realise the research brief they outlined and documented in the preceding semester. Using an allotted budget and NIDA workshop resources as well as any industry relationships that may be necessary, the students create prototypes or scale models to illustrate their masterwork design.

This subject is predominantly self-directed with timetabled tutorial time each week for the coordinator to assist the student in steering their project.

The subject is assessed through the formal presentation of completed project work to an invited audience.

Scenic Construction and Technologies Interdisciplinary Collaboration

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7302A INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (20 credit points)

This subject uses the NIDA play production program to immerse the student in the practice of Scenic Construction and Technologies for performance.

The students take on key leadership roles as construction manager or technical manager with first year students assigned as their assistants. The students form part of the creative team and are responsible for analysing and rationalising the design concepts, providing creative solutions to any structural, mechanical or environmental problems and delivery and installation of the staging requirements to the theatre.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7302B INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (20 credit points)

This subject uses the NIDA play production program to immerse the student in the practice of Scenic Construction and Technologies for performance.

The students take on key leadership roles as construction manager or technical manager with first year students assigned as their assistants. The students form part of the creative team and are responsible for analysing and rationalising the design concepts, providing creative solutions to any structural, mechanical or environmental problems and delivery and installation of the staging requirements to the theatre.

Scenic Construction and Technologies Professional Practice

SEMESTER ONE

SCT7303A PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (10 credit points)

This purpose of this subject is threefold. Firstly, it instils students with the non-discipline specific skills and knowledge they will require to successfully pursue careers within a professional artistic environment. Secondly, it commences the introduction and integration of the students into professional industries, networks and communities; and thirdly it furnishes the student with place and audience through which to explore and comment on contemporary performance practice and their aspirations.

SEMESTER TWO

SCT7303B PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (20 credit points)

This subject is a work integrated learning activity achieved through experiential and immersive learning opportunities involving substantial levels of industry collaboration. This approach coalesces the students’ practical skills and knowledge, whilst also providing students with a broader contextualisation, understanding and experience of the live performance industry.

Students develop an online journal in which they log their experiences and communicate with their subject tutor while further evaluation of their experience occurs through a formal feedback process that incorporates the observations and opinions of industry collaborators and professional mentors.

Admission criteria

Essential requirements for admission

Admission Criteria

NIDA's general entry requirements for accredited courses are:

Have completed a High School Certificate or equivalent qualification at the end of high school for undergraduate courses

NIDA will waive the requirement for completion of year 12 studies where an applicant's work and life experience supports their ability and skills to engage in their selected program (includes those who left secondary education more than 2 years ago).

Be 18 years of age by 31 March in the first year of enrolment for domestic students in undergraduate programs (only in exceptional circumstances can this condition be waived) and 18 years at date of commencement for international students (there is no waiver for international students on age).

Be proficient in written and spoken English. International students must have an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 with no band score less than 6.0 (IELTS 8.0 for BFA (Acting)).

Have skills and knowledge appropriate to the level and discipline the applicant is seeking to gain admission into.

Have an evidenced interest in the performing arts.

NIDA does not currently have an enabled course or bridging program.

Essential requirements

We select students who:

demonstrate commitment, motivation and passion in relation to the arts, entertainment and related industries, to their chosen discipline, and to the course of study

provide evidence of their capacity to work creatively and imaginatively

demonstrate an aptitude to collaborate with peers as part of a creative process

have an English language proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS (8.0 for Acting). Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at www.ielts.org This requirement may be waived for applicants that have completed their high school studies in English.

Shortly after arriving at NIDA you will be required to have a set of black clothes (i.e. Long sleeved black top, long black trousers and black shoes) for production work.

Recommended Reading

While students are provided with the script of any plays they are involved in as part of the NIDA Production Program, students are encouraged to purchase other scripts and textbooks for subjects such as Performance and Ideas.

Information Technology Recommendations

To access NIDA wireless (iWIRE) network, students are required to have access to a Laptop (Windows 7 and later), Macbook (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later) or a Tablet (less than three years old with wireless facility). All the devices should comply with 802.11a/b/g/n WPA-Enterprise security. All notebooks should be secured with a Kensington lock to help prevent theft.

For file transfers and data backup, a 500GB hard drive or higher and an 8GB USB stick are also recommended, as is a DVD burner, for optimum visual graphics on your computer(Laptop/MacBook/Desktop etc.) a 1GB dedicated graphics card is recommended but not required.

Further financial information

Australian citizens and holders of permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for an Australian Government FEE-HELP loan for all or part of their tuition fees. For more information about FEE-HELP please read the information below and visit Study Assist.

FEE-HELP

WHAT IS FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is the Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees, so that students do not have to pay tuition fees up-front. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of a student's tuition fees. In 2018 the FEE-HELP lifetime limit is $102,392.

A loan fee of 25% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee.

The Government pays the amount of the loan directly to NIDA. Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income rises above the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment.

Financial assistance

Eligible students, who are Australian residents, can apply to Centrelink for financial assistance through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information.

While at NIDA, students can also apply for consideration for a NIDA student bursary. Each year there are a limited number of NIDA student bursaries to assist with living costs. These are allocated to students on the basis of financial need with second and third year undergraduates and Master of Fine Arts students prioritised. The bursaries are made available through the generosity of donors to NIDA and from bequests.

Statement of Tuition Assurance Exemption

Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, (the HESA) and the Higher Education Provider Guidelines, approved Higher Education Providers must have arrangements in place to protect students if the Provider is unable to continue to offer a course for any reason, unless the Provider has been exempted from this requirement.

As required under 2.5.1.5 of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines of 23 November 2006, NIDA advises that, under section 16-30 (2) of the HESA, NIDA has been granted an exemption from the tuition assurance requirements of HESA. The reason for the exemption is that NIDA is in receipt of funding from the Australian Government. As NIDA is principally funded by the Australian Government, appropriate transition arrangements would be put in place should it be decided to discontinue a course.

FAQs

Entry requirements FAQs

What ATAR score do I need to get into NIDA?

Entry into NIDA courses is by audition or interview only. We do not ask for exam scores or ATAR rankings. However, all applicants applying for any higher education course at NIDA must have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent qualification at the end of high school. In exceptional circumstances this requirement can be waived.

What subjects should I study at school?

NIDA does not require students to have studied any particular subjects at school. However, it is beneficial during their period of study at NIDA for students to have a high level of literacy and to have read widely. A strong working knowledge of subjects such as English and History is helpful to provide an understanding of historical context and literary references in theatre and literature. It is helpful to have an understanding of drama and, if possible, to have attended a range of theatre and films. Applicants for some courses often study Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, or similar subjects such as Art. Knowledge of a language other than English and understanding of other cultures is also beneficial.

For courses such as Properties and Objects, Staging, Design for Performance, and Technical Theatre and Stage Management there is a need to have some numeracy and basic computing skills. For the Staging and Properties and Objects courses there is a need to be comfortable with basic applied algebra, geometry and physical concepts but memorisation is not required and use of these concepts is very practically focused.

Is there a minimum age restriction?

The minimum age for entry into NIDA’s full-time courses is 18 years. Students are expected to be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of their first year, or within a few months of commencement. In exceptional circumstances this condition may be waived. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of their audition or interview.

Applications from those 16 years and younger will not be accepted.

Is there a maximum age restriction?

There is no maximum age restriction. As a guide to the age distribution at NIDA, the ages of students in undergraduate courses at the start of 2016 ranged from 17 years to early 30s, with the average age being 21.

The average age in the Master of Fine Arts courses is 32, with an age range from early 20s to mid-40s.

Application FAQs

How do I apply for a full-time course at NIDA?

NIDA will accept applications for the 2019 intake from 2 July - 30 September, 2018.

You must then prepare for your audition or interview, the details of which can be found on the course pages.

My application form isn’t working/loading!

If you are having difficulty using the online application form, check your internet browser: Chrome, Firefox and Safari are the recommended browsers. You should also turn off any security that blocks pop-ups, as this may prevent the application screen from opening. While application form will still work on a tablet or mobile device, it performs best on a PC or laptop.

Can I apply for more than one course?

Yes, however a separate online application form and payment of application fee AUD$75.00 will be required for each course you would like to apply for.

What do I do if the audition/ interview dates are not suitable?

NIDA aims to accommodate all Australian states during the audition/ interview period.

If the dates provided are not suitable to individuals applying to non-Acting courses we will try to work with you to create a mutually agreeable alternative. If you cannot attend any of the available dates, please select ‘Other Interstate’ when completing the application form and email applications@nida.edu.au to discuss further options.

Unfortunately due to the large volume of applications to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) course, we cannot schedule any alternative dates other than those advertised.

Audition and interview FAQs

What do I need to prepare for my audition/interview?

All the details for audition and interview requirements can be found on the individual course pages under the ‘How to Apply’ tab.

Does NIDA give audition/interview feedback?

Due to the large number of people being auditioned or interviewed, it is not possible for NIDA to provide individual feedback, either orally or in writing. However, the auditions and interviews are learning experiences, particularly through the opportunity in the auditions to observe the presentation of audition pieces by other applicants and any redirection suggestions provided to you or other applicants by members of the audition panel.

What are my chances of getting into NIDA’s Acting course straight from high school?

There are around 1700 applicants for the 24 places in the Acting course. Most school leavers who apply for the Acting course are not accepted the first time they apply. There are advantages to having some life experience and maturity to be able to cope with a very rigorous course. However, the audition process is a valuable one and provides useful experience for future applications. There were two school-leavers among the 24 applicants selected for entry in 2016.

Where will my interview take place?

During your online application you will have the opportunity to select the date and location of your audition/ interview. The specific location details will be included in your receipt once you have submitted a complete application form. Please note that NIDA reserves the right to amend your audition/ interview date/ location at any time depending on scheduling requirements.

What happens after my interview?

Final selections are made for each course by mid- December when study offers will be distributed to successful applicants via email.

Please note applicants who do not make it through to the recall stage for Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) and Master of Fine Arts (Directing) courses have not been successful for the 2019 intake.

Studying at NIDA FAQs

What are the contact hours for BFA courses?

Students are at NIDA from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. During production terms students may also be required for rehearsals after hours and on weekends.

Additional time also needs to be allocated to library work, research, preparation for classes and private study. For this reason it is difficult for NIDA students to maintain regular part-time jobs. Studying at NIDA is a big commitment so students need to manage their time and resources carefully.

How are NIDA’s courses structured?

NIDA offers a conservatoire based method of education and training based around intensive practice-based learning.

There is formal class work, practical instruction, lectures and, for some courses, periods of placements in the arts industry. Each course has dedicated time to discipline-specific immersion, as well as common subjects undertaken by students of all disciplines.

NIDA Play Productions and screen work provides practical learning experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply learnt technical skills. Play productions are an important part of NIDA’s higher education courses with usually five productions being produced each semester.

More detailed information about course structure can be found on the individual course pages.

What facilities does NIDA offer?

NIDA’s award winning campus includes a range of facilities available to students:

the Parade Theatre, seating over 700 people, is equipped with advanced technology in sound, lighting and scenery

performance spaces of varying sizes. The Parade Studio, Parade Playhouse, Parade Space and Atrium are also utilised for productions

the state-of-the-art Reg Grundy Studio is used for film and television recording

the Rodney Seaborn Library, specialising in the performing arts

computer-aided design (CAD) and multimedia studios

rehearsal rooms, teaching spaces and music practice rooms

and workshops for the manufacture of scenery, properties and costumes.

What student services does NIDA offer?

Because of NIDA’s close relationship with UNSW, in addition to the NIDA library, NIDA students have access to the UNSW Library, The Learning Centre, health services and the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, all located close to NIDA.

NIDA students have access to student counselling services provided through UNSW.

Indigenous students can also use the services of the Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Centre at UNSW.

Does NIDA offer credit transfer for study undertaken elsewhere?

Yes, NIDA grants credit for formal study undertaken in recognised higher institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions and for study at recognised overseas institutions, where the applicant has met the learning outcomes, attained the knowledge and/or developed the skills relevant to a specific subject. An application for credit must be submitted and approved prior to commencement of the course. For further information see NIDA’s credit transfer policy.

Accommodation FAQs

NIDA does not provide accommodation for students. However the following information will help you consider some options available to you.

UNSW on-campus housing

Although NIDA is not part of the University of New South Wales (UNSW), NIDA students can access the student accommodation at UNSW.

UNSW is located directly across from NIDA on Anzac Parade, Kensington and has a number of on-campus residential colleges and self-catered apartments that Study Abroad students can apply for by going directly to their websites:

Seeking rental accommodation independently

Rental accommodation in the immediate vicinity of NIDA is not usually easy to find at short notice, can be expensive and Sydney landlords usually require a minimum six month lease to be signed. It is also in high demand so it is advisable to start searching at least two or three weeks before you start the course. You should also consider that not all accommodation is furnished and you may need to buy furniture.

Students tend to look for accommodation in suburbs near NIDA such as Randwick, Kensington, Kingsford, Coogee and Maroubra or, slightly further away, in Newtown, Surry Hills or Paddington, because of proximity and transport services. Students at NIDA often have to stay late during production and projects times so it is important that transport is available. Some useful websites that list rental agents and/or rental accommodation are:

Seeking share housing

Many students at NIDA find share accommodation in houses and apartments in the surrounding areas. The advantage to share renting is that all costs, rent, electricity, gas etc are shared, reducing the overall cost of living. Share rentals are often advertised on the rental websites given above, but NIDA students also post notices to the student web pages when they are seeking someone to share their accommodation. Students will be able to access these pages as soon as they have accepted their offer of place at NIDA.

NIDA Student policies FAQs

Can I defer my studies at NIDA?

Due to the highly competitive nature of NIDA’s admissions process, you must enrol for the year for which you have been offered a place. You cannot defer acceptance of a place. If you want to enrol in a subsequent year, you will need to apply again the following year and go through the audition/interview process again. There is no guarantee that you will be offered a place next time.

A first year student who discontinues a course of study during the year and wishes to return the following year, must re-apply for admission to NIDA in the normal manner. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

Application for leave of absence by continuing students must be made in writing with reasons to the Head of Course for consideration and recommendation to the Director. Approval for leave of absence can only be granted by the Director/CEO. It should be noted that approval for leave of absence will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

Can students be suspended from NIDA?

In addition to cancellation of enrolment for non-payment of tuition fees, a student’s enrolment at NIDA can be suspended or cancelled on the grounds of misconduct. Refer to the Student Misconduct Procedures below.

Where can I find more information about NIDA Student Policies?

Fees FAQs

What are the tuition fees for accredited courses?

Full information about tuition fees and FEE-HELP is available under the ‘Fees’ tab on individual course pages.

Are there any other costs to study at NIDA apart from tuition fees?

There is an optional annual fee of $40 to join the Student Council of NIDA (SCON).While students are provided with the script of any plays they are involved in as part of the NIDA Production Program, students are encouraged to purchase other scripts and textbooks for subjects such as Performance and Ideas.

Acting students must wear “blacks” to class everyday i.e. leotards, jogging pants, sweat pants, simple black tops or T-shirts, so students need to make sure they have at least a couple of sets of blacks to get themselves through the week. Acting students must also supply their own make-up and soft black shoes.

Scenic Construction and Technologies, Design for Performance, Costume, Properties and Objects, Technical Theatre and Stage Management students are required to purchase specific tools and equipment, which should be considered as lifelong investments. Students using workshop spaces are also required to have closed-toe protective footwear. Technical Theatre and Stage Management students should also have a few sets of “blacks” for working on productions.

Design for Performance students are also expected to purchase their own art equipment, drawing paper, cardboard and other material for models and should allow around $1000 for this each year.

To access NIDA wireless (iWIRE) network, students are required to have access to a Laptop (Windows 7 and later), Macbook (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later) or a Tablet (less than three years old with wireless facility). All the devices should comply with 802.11a/b/g/n WPA-Enterprise security.

For file transfers and data backup, a 500GB hard drive or higher and an 8GB USB stick are also recommended, as is a DVD burner, for optimum visual graphics on your computer(Laptop/MacBook/Desktop etc..) a 1GB dedicated graphics card is recommended but not compulsory.

Financial assistance FAQs

Are there scholarships available for studying at NIDA?

NIDA does not offer scholarships that cover the cost of tuition fees. NIDA students, who are Australian citizens, are able to access FEE-HELP loans for assistance with their tuition fees. For more information on FEE-HELP loans see www.studyassist.gov.au.

NIDA offers students the opportunity to apply for financial assistance (bursaries) at the beginning of each year to assist with living costs. The bursaries are made available through the generosity of donors to NIDA and from bequests. Bursaries are paid on a fortnightly basis during the NIDA year, with the value of individual bursaries in 2014 ranging from $1500 annually to $4000 annually, depending on need and the year and course of study. These funds are allocated to students on the basis of financial need, course of study and year of study. Bursaries are only available to students currently enrolled at NIDA.

What other financial assistance is available to undergraduate students?

Eligible students enrolled in NIDA’s undergraduate courses can apply to Centrelink for Austudy, Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information.

Is financial assistance available for students in the Master of Fine Arts?

The Master of Fine Arts courses are not approved courses for students to receive Austudy, Youth Allowance (student) and Pensioner Education Supplement through Centrelink. Master of Fine Arts students are eligible to apply for a NIDA bursary.

NZ and international students FAQs

Is there a limit on the number of international students accepted each year?

NIDA welcomes applications from international students. While there is no quota for international students, there are limited numbers of students in each course.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

Students must be proficient in written and spoken English, with international applicants required to have an English language proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of IELTS 8.0 for Acting, Directing and Writing for Performance, or IELTS 7.0 for other higher education courses. Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at www.ielts.org.

International applicants who are short-listed for the Acting course after the recall audition must provide evidence of their English language capability by the end of the first week in December in order to be considered in the final selection process. International applications for other courses should bring evidence of their English language capability to their interview.

Where can I find more information about international students at NIDA?

How to apply

Application Process

Entry to the BFA Scenic Construction and Technologies is by interview. Applicants will need to prepare a project prior to their interview - see below for details or download the BFA Application Guide for 2019.

How to apply

There are six steps to successfully applying for a NIDA course:

STEP 1

Create your application account (link to be provided from 2 July).

You will then be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.

A passport style photograph (less than six months old, in colour, well lit, plain background).

Academic IELTS or equivalent (international applicants only)

Any course related documents/portfolios.

STEP 4

Make payment of the AUD$75 administration fee by credit/debit card.

STEP 5

Book your audition or interview date in your nearest capital city.

STEP 6

Attend your audition or interview, having prepared the relevant material for your course.

Interview dates

Below are the expected interview dates for 2018. Please note: NIDA reserves the right to amend and otherwise alter interview dates and locations, subject to minimum applicant numbers per region.

Brisbane

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Melbourne

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Sydney

w/c 12 November 2018

w/c 19 November 2018

For all other locations select ‘Other Interstate' when completing the application form and email applications@nida.edu.au to discuss your options.

Your Interview

What to prepare

SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION

The following may be uploaded with your application:

1. PORTFOLIO

You may upload a digital portfolio with your application; otherwise you can bring one with you to your interview. You should prepare examples of past work that you feel will support your application and demonstrate your suitability for a career in the arts and entertainment industry. These may include (but are not limited to) photos, freehand drawings, technical drawings, models, mechanisms, woodwork or metalwork projects. The purpose of the portfolio if to provide an insight into how you think as a practitioner.

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

The following should be prepared in advance to be discussed at your interview:

Select one production from the provided list for your project. Prepare your project according to the requirements and bring it along to your interview for discussion.

What to expect on the day

If interviewing in Sydney, you should be prepared to spend half the day at your interview (i.e. either the morning or the afternoon). Interstate interviews will be scheduled on the hour.

The interview is in two parts:

First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the Scenic Construction and Technologies course and what will happen during the interview. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.

Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 30 minutes. During the interview, we will discuss your project; your ideas about theatre, film and the broader creative industry; and why you want to study Scenic Construction and Technologies at NIDA.

Interview tips

Preparation! The more time and effort you put into the project and interview preparation in advance, the more confident you’ll be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion.

Come with a clear idea of why you want to study Scenic Construction and Technologies at NIDA.

Plan your journey to the interview. Give yourself plenty of travel time to allow for delays.

We know that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your experience will be as interesting and enjoyable as possible. The interview is designed to give you the very best opportunity to show your potential and readiness to study at NIDA.

Production project information

Production project options

Select one production from the list below for your project. The texts that have been nominated should be readily available from your local library, bookstore, or online. Should you have any difficulty obtaining any of these texts, please contact NIDA.

The Servant of Two Masters by Nick Enright and Ron Blair (play)

Blackrock by Nick Enright (play)

Scorched by Wajdi Mouawad (play)

Don’s Party by David Williamson (play)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (play)

Carmen by Georges Bizet (opera)

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weikk (opera)

Cabaret by John Kander and Fred Ebb (music theatre)

Production project requirements

Prepare a description of how you would stage your chosen production. The description can use words, photographs, drawings and diagrams, as well as digital files.

Consider the following for discussion at your interview:

What style, period and/or concept you would choose to set the production in, and why.

A scene, act, or elemental transition you think would benefit from the use of an automated or mechanical stage effect.

How would you go about achieving this effect? This description can include diagrams and/or photographs.

What safety considerations do you think need to be considered?

Bring your entire project along to the interview – do not send it in advance.

Advanced standing

The collaborative nature of NIDA's conservatoire training means that NIDA does not encourage advanced standing/academic credit/recognition of prior learning, particularly for discipline based subjects. However a student can apply for academic credit or recognition of prior learning at the time of enrolment. Details are available on the student policies page.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the educational backgrounds of the 2018 commencing undergraduate BFA peer cohort in all disciplines at NIDA.

It should be noted that as selection and admission to courses at NIDA is based on merit the statistics below may not be indicative of the educational backgrounds of commencing cohorts on a year to year basis.

Applicant Background

Number of students

Percentage of all students

(A) Past higher education study

7

11.5%

(B) Past Vocational Education and Training study

18

29.5%

(C) Recent secondary educationAdmitted on basis of other criteria and ATAR was not a factor

20

32.8%

(D) Work and life experience

15

24.6%

International students

1

1.6%

All students

61

100%

L/N - Low numbers: the number of students is less than 5.N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

What does it take to put on a show?

Take a peek behind the curtain to see how our students collaborate each year on our June and October Student Production seasons.

Student work

See some of our students' work from productions, events, rehearsals, classwork and student projects.

Careers

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Scenic Construction and Technologies) you will have the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed across the multidisciplinary field of scenic construction.